Scottish distillers sign £300,000 deal with Asda

Three Scottish distilleries have signed a deal worth more than £300,000 with Asda, as the industry experiences a ‘gin renaissance’.

Edinburgh Gin, Tullibardine Distillery and Valt Vodka have launched three new premium products with the supermarket chain, and they are now being stocked in Asda stores around Scotland.

Tullibardine has secured an exclusive deal with Asda to launch their new Highland Single Malt Sherry Finish Whisky, which will be available in 50 stores across the country.

The new deal comes off the back of a major investment in their Perthshire distillery to introduce a new warehouse, bottling plant and visitors centre.

Valt Vodka’s single malt Scottish vodka, produced by Strathleven distillers will be stocked in 40 Scottish stores.

The drinks brand is the world’s first single malt Scottish vodka which uses 100% Scottish malt barley and mountain water from the River Spey in its distilling process.

The original Edinburgh Gin is also being sold at 55 Scottish stores, as well as Edinburgh Rhubarb and Ginger Gin Liqueur, which is exclusive to Asda.

Heather Turnbull, regional buyer for Asda Scotland, said: “With sales of gin predicted to reach over £1bn by the end of 2016 and the whisky and vodka sectors continuing to perform well, it’s clear that consumers’ taste palates are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

“By launching equally sophisticated spirits such as Tullibardine, Valt and Edinburgh Gin in Asda stores across Scotland, it will now mean that more consumers than ever before can enjoy a truly Scottish drinking experience.”

Alex Nicol, co-founder of Edinburgh Gin, said: “The gin and spirits industry has seen significant growth which we have experienced for ourselves at Edinburgh Gin.

"We have been crafting the gin renaissance from our distillery in Scotland's capital since 2010, aiding people's modern-day discovery of gin.

“Whether new to gin or a connoisseur, this deal is testament to the fact that people are enjoying spirits like gin in new ways and a great example of Asda’s commitment to supporting Scottish suppliers."